Building at garden centre collapses after huge fire

Cheshire Fire and Rescue Service have said they will be at the scene all day tackling pockets of fire at the Grosvenor Garden Centre.

In an update a service spokesman said: "The building has collapsed so crews are continuing to extinguish this fire from outside a safety cordon.

"We will remain in attendance at this incident for the rest of the day, extinguishing any pockets of fire.

"The main area of the garden centre was not affected by the fire.

"A fire investigation to establish the cause is now taking place."

Five fire crews and an aerial platform were called out to the venue in the early hours.

Two fire engines from Chester, one from Powey Lane, one from Ellesmere Port, one from Malpas and the aerial ladder from Chester were called to the scene at about 4am today (Tuesday, June 14) at Grosvenor Garden Centre on Wrexham Road, Belgrave.

Firefighters are currently dealing with the fire involving an outbuilding, measuring 25 metres by 25 metres and crews are protecting nearby property with a main water jet.

A water shuttle has also been set up and a cordon is in place.

Due to smoke in the area nearby residents are being asked to keep windows and doors closed and passing motorists advised to do the same and also to turn off any ventilation systems as a precaution.

Grosvenor garden Centre has informed customers on social media this morning that the garden centre and adjoining restaurant will be closed today as a result. 

Four main water jets were used at this incident so crews are using an environmental pack to prevent any water run off from entering drains and nearby water courses.

The Environment Agency has been informed.

In an update a spokesman for Cheshire Fire and Rescue Service said: "At 7.15am three fire engines and the aerial ladder platform are currently still in attendance at this incident, which involves several outbuildings at a garden centre. 

"At 7.40am crews are now dealing with pockets of fire and damping down the building."